10 Workplace Skills To Future-proof Your Career From Automation

Will your job still be around in the next 2, 5 or 10 years? Or will it be overtaken by robots and computer programming?

According to a study conducted by McKinsey & Company, automation and artificial intelligence will displace nearly a quarter of work activities in Singapore by 2030. Throw in the rise of new technologies like 3D printing and blockchain and the future is ripe for disruption.

While jobs won’t entirely disappear, the only way to thrive in this constantly changing work environment will be to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Here are 10 of the most critical workplace skills to begin diversifying your abilities and future-proof your ‘rice bowl’ today!

1. Digital Savviness

Who this is for:
Those who are unfamiliar with new technologies

With rapid changes and constant disruptions at work, SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace – a national initiative – will empower 100,000 Singaporeans in the next 3 years to face the future economy. By understanding current and emerging technologies, you will be better prepared to navigate your career in a technology-rich environment.

2. Caregiving

Who this is for:
Aspiring and existing caregivers, nurses

The demand for care services is set to surge with the number of people aged 65 and above estimated to rise to 900,000 by 2030. “Caregiver burnout” is a real risk though, so whether you are a nurse, caregiver or considering a career switch, it’s essential that you acquire the right knowledge, skills and support.

3. Service Excellence

Who this is for:
Frontline professionals such as customer service representatives, store advisors, service crew

Human interaction will become increasingly important in an automated world. Having the ability to build meaningful relationships and effectively respond to challenging service situations will differentiate the good from the great.

4. Workplace Safety and Health (WSH)

Who this is for:
Construction workers, workers who need to enter a construction site

The total value of construction contracts awarded is estimated to rise to $31 billion this year. Capitalise on this unique opportunity in the construction industry by acquiring the WSQ Apply Workplace Safety and Health in Construction Sites – a mandatory certification for all construction industry workers.

5. Process Improvement

Who this is for:
Operational level workers such as machine operators, production floor operators, planners, craftsmen, technicians

According to consulting firm, Deloitte, continuous improvement will become even more important in an age of disruption. Learning how to identify, carry out and follow through on opportunities will enable your company to keep up in an uncertain environment.

7. E-commerce (The Future of Retail)

Who this is for:
Businesses, professionals who wish to learn about global e-commerce

E-commerce is flourishing globally and in Singapore. The number of online shoppers is projected to rise from 64.8% in 2017 to 80.9% of the population in 2021, and this will provide great opportunities in electronics and media, furniture and homeware, and fashion and apparel.

8. Workplace IT Basics

Who this is for:Blue collar workers, those with minimal computer experience

No matter what workplace or industry you work in, IT has become a mandatory skill. You don’t need to be an expert coder though – you just need to know the basics such as navigating a desktop, creating emails and documents, and connecting to the internet.

9. Adaptability and Flexibility

Who this is for:
Operational staff members

Adaptability will become a key sought-after trait, even for those conducting routine work activities under close supervision. Developing a growth mindset and the ability to foresee upcoming trends will ensure that you remain productive, effective and competitive in the job market.

10. Self-Guided Learning

Who this is for:
Everybody

Want to start your own e-commerce store or become a freelancer? Online learning platforms like Udemy empower you to direct your own future by studying the topics that set your heart on fire. With courses available anytime, anywhere, find your true passion and turn it into a career.

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